Your Body Almanac

Delaware

A high-Lyme state with humid summers on the coast.

Delaware is small but sits squarely in Lyme country, and lone star ticks are common too. Summers are hot and humid, and winter sun is weak enough to cut into vitamin D for a few months.

01

Ticks and Lyme disease

CDC counts Delaware as a high-incidence Lyme state, with about 30 cases per 100,000 people in 2022. Lone star ticks, which spread ehrlichiosis and are linked to alpha-gal syndrome, are also widespread in the region.

SourcesSurveillance for Lyme Disease After Implementation of a Revised Case Definition — United States, 2022 (CDC MMWR)Where Ticks Live (CDC)
Check for ticksAs neededAfter time in grass or woods, check your whole body, shower within two hours and dry your clothes on high heat. Use insect repellentAs neededUse an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin when mosquitoes or ticks are around.
02

Humid summer heat

Humidity keeps sweat from evaporating, so muggy days strain your body more than the temperature suggests. Watch the heat index, not just the thermometer.

SourcesHeat Index (National Weather Service)About Heat and Your Health (CDC)
Stay safe in the heatAs neededOn hot days, drink water often, take breaks in the shade and plan hard work for the cooler parts of the day. Rehydrate when you sweatAs neededDrink regularly during hot work or long workouts, and add electrolytes when you sweat for more than two hours.
03

Weak winter sun

At about 39 degrees north, Delaware sits between latitudes where winter sun does and does not make vitamin D in skin. Expect a few months of little vitamin D from sunlight, and lean on food sources.

SourcesInfluence of season and latitude on the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D3 (Webb, Kline and Holick, 1988)Vitamin D — Health Professional Fact Sheet (NIH Office of Dietary Supplements)
Get vitamin D from foodDailyEat fatty fish, fortified milk and UV-exposed mushrooms so you are not relying on the sun alone. Ask your doctor about vitamin DYearlyIf you get little sun or few vitamin D foods, ask at your checkup whether testing or a supplement makes sense for you.

When to see a professional

See a doctor for an expanding rash, fever, facial droop or joint swelling in the weeks after a tick bite or time outdoors.